Avila student receives EWI scholarship award

KANSAS CITY, Mo - - Tonia Titus, a student in Avila University's Advantage program, recently was awarded a $2,000 EWI ASIST scholarship to use to further her education.

Tonia Titus and Steve Iliff, Dean of the School of Professional Studies

Founded in 1938, Executive Women International (EWI) is an organization which brings together key individuals from diverse businesses for the purpose of promoting member firms, enhancing personal and professional development and encouraging community involvement. The purpose of the ASIST program – which stands for Adult Students in Scholastic Transition – is to encourage and motivate adult students who are at transitional situations and are in need of financial aid to further their education. To be eligible for the program, candidates must be able to identify their career goals and objectives along with meeting the necessary educational and financial requirements.

Titus is pursuing a bachelor's degree in health care management services at Avila. She is a senior administrative assistant at Truman Medical Center. She is also a breast cancer survivor and spends a significant amount of time volunteering for the Young Survivor's Coalition which provides support, education and camaraderie for other women impacted by the disease. Titus is a mother of two whose dedicated to her children's education and the community at large.

"I've been praying that I would be given a chance to further my education," she said in an e-mail. "This is giving me a chance to share my vision of inspiring others to reach their goals by overcoming life obstacles.

"One of my favorite biblical quotes is, 'The reward is not given to the swiftest, but those that endure.' (Ecclesiastes 9) I just want other students to know it's never too late in life to continue your education."

Titus received her scholarship at an awards dinner April 13 at the InterContinental Hotel in Kansas City. Her application was forwarded to EWI Corporate Headquarters for consideration in the international scholarship program. That program awards 13 additional scholarships ranging from $10,000 to $2,000. The international scholarship judging will take place between now and the end of June, 2011.

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Avila University is a private, co-educational, values-based liberal arts institution founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, offering undergraduate, graduate, and adult degree programs. Avila University is located at 119th and Wornall Rd in southwest suburban Kansas City, Mo.